We are flying into SEA-TAC for a one night stay in Seattle prior to cruising Alaska. Having toured Seattle in the past, we prefer to unwind from our flight from the east coast and stay close to the pier. Edgewater Hotel appears to be located right next to pier....very convenient. Can anyone give me first-hand opinion? The price for a harbor view room is $299. Is Edgewater worth it? If not, does anyone have a nice alternative suggestion? Our stay will be Friday/Labor Day weekend; we will not rent a car. Thanks to those who reply.

If you will have daylight to look out your window and relax get the harbor view. The nonharborview rooms are nice but have no view (parking lot).

Elaine, we just wanted to let you know that the Edgewater is one of our favorite relax and unwind places. We live in Seattle and it is really the only hotel on the water so we occasionally go there for the view. You'll also be right next to the pier where you'll be departing on your cruise so it will be very convenient. Whether it is worth the money is really a personal matter, and perhaps a matter of what time you will be getting there (if you'll feel you really had time to enjoy what it has to offer). They do offer discounts to AAA members, seniors and some government groups so if that applies you may want to check that out. We feel the snuggly beds and water views are worth the money. Try to get a room with a balcony! Good Luck

Mary,
Thanks for your endorsement of Edgewater Hotel. Our flight (from the east coast) arrives SEA-TAC mid morning. We would indeed spend our 24 hours enjoying the amenities and views of a harbor view room. I did not realize some rooms have balconies. Thanks for mentioning. For a one night stay, would you recommend dining at the hotel? Or can you recommend another dinner option (close by). Your reply and information is greatly appreciated.

We stayed at the Edgewater summer of '00 for severall nights and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Other than a rather abrupt person at the front desk (who initially gave us keys to a room that was already occupied!! and didn't even apologize) our entire stay and the interaction with the staff was wonderful. They have a great lobby type bar where you can order meals and sit at cushy chairs and play board games while looking out on the harbor. We ate there one night and ate breakfast at the hotel also. The tram that runs up and down along the harbor provides transportation in the immediate area very cheaply - maybe one or two bucks to ride for 6 hours or something like that. The hotel was in our opinion a worthwhile "splurge". By the way, we saw the moon over the harbor and that was just as interesting as daytime views.

The only "splurge" hotel alternative that comes to mind would be a water-view room at the Inn at the Market. It won't be as convenient to the ship as the Edgewater, but it might be a little cheaper, and has the advantage of being located in the middle of the Pike Place Market. No restaurant shortage there, that's for sure.

Labor Day weekend (starting Friday) is when the Bumbershoot arts festival is held on the grounds of Seattle Center. If you feel at all energized, you could go to the center on Friday afternoon or evening and partake in this amazing event - see http://bumbershoot.org/ If you're really energized, you can walk there from the Edgewater in around 25 min.

Elaine, You will love the Edgewater! My friends stayed there on their wedding night even! It is wonderful. If you want to walk to dinner you can go just down the way to Anthony's or Waterfront (spendy!). Or better yet call a cab and make reservations at Dahlia Lounge or Wild Ginger- my 2 favorite "Seattle" restaurants! Both are just a few dollars by cab in the downtown area. Have a great trip!

Thank you Fodors posters for your first-hand recommendation and also restaurant suggestions!
It appears Edgewater is the most convenient property to the pier. We will book a harborside room w/balcony.
Just one last question: I was checking a Seattle website and it lists the Edgewater as a 3 star vs 4 or 5 star property. With our room rate at $299 (plus tax) I would think this not a 3-star hotel price? Any thoughts?
PS -- when speaking w/hotel reservations, I was told all 'discounts' were sold out and I did mention AAA, etc.

It's a 3 or 4 star hotel, but in US it's a subjective difference. Seattle is just expensive, that's all, plus the Edgewater is still living off its reputation as being where the Beatles stayed on their first US tour. BTW, out of curiosity I just went on Travelocity.com and found a double/water/balcony room for $279 for your night. You might want to check it out.

We have stayed there10 times over the last 20 years. All ways great. There for 3 nights this Feb.--lots of rooms now have fireplaces and furnishings have been updated.
Gift shop in lobby has expresso drinks. Coffee pot in room with Starbucks coffee.==Dinning room-new chef and menu is "different"--big variety and has Sushi bar. Be sure to check the menu to see if it fits your tastes..
Good restaurant on the next pier although a little expensive-I think it is next to cruise ship port.
These is a little Trolly that goes by out front and you can get off at Pikes Market-- however, I would go for Wild
Ginger (taxi) OR hotel has shuttle that leaves every hour and will drop you anywhere "downtown"
IMO Inn at the Market is more expensive, little noisy and our room there was smaller than the Edgewater.
The Edgewater's current prices are beyond our budget but from Jan to April 1st. can get a 1/2 price room
with view (Seattle Super Saver Program) cost us $159 plus 11 %
visitors tax.
When we first stayed there in 1982 it cost $ 109 even in high season..
You will love it...

I did check Edgewater rate on Travelocity - thanks for mentioning.
We will book directly w/the hotel as we prefer early check-in (it may be possible)and prefer a harbor view w/balcony. After flying cross country, think it best to have hotel rep's name and extension should there be any glitch.
Thanks all for your posts and suggestions! Hope to post a brief trip report re: Edgewater after we return in September.

Hi Elaine. I've been remiss on checking to see how you were doing with responses as I've been planning my own trip to the East Coast. Looks like you got plenty of endorsements for the Edgewater, and I wouldn't worry about the number of stars in this case...I like nice properties (4/5*) and having been to this one I can tell you that it definately fits the bill of a **** hotel. I must confess that since we live in Seattle and have an opportunity to dine there we usually opt for room service from the hotel restaurant. Everything we've ordered has been wonderful so I'm sure the restaurant is great. Again, this really depends upon what you are looking for when it comes to recommending dining options. There are many good ones located on the waterfront. Anthony's is right next to you on the pier where your ship will be departing from. Further down the pier is Salty's (nicer and more expensive I believe). If you're looking for a really great steak my favorite is the Metropolitan Grill. Again expensive but one of my favorite splurges, and an easy cab ride from the hotel. Hope all of this helps. I know you'll have a great trip!!!